LIVE AUCTION DATE

A once-in-a-generation opportunity to own one of Bristol's most historically significant mid-century homes.

The Zager Estate

For the first time in over 70 years, 209 Maple Tree Drive comes to market — a mid-century time capsule set on 2.1 rolling, tree-shaded acres in the sought-after Lick Branch Estates and the longtime home of Victor and Muriel Zager, two of Bristol's most extraordinary citizens.

Victor Zager (1928–2008) was a Korean War veteran, attorney, and industrialist who helped bring a manufacturing plant to Bristol, supplying advanced textile products to the U.S. Armed Forces. A nationally recognized leader in his field, he was equally devoted to community and faith — serving as president of multiple synagogues, administering over 600 congregations nationwide through the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and even moderating a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in Jerusalem. His philanthropy endowed a Diversity Lectureship at East Tennessee State University and a Holocaust Studies chair at Emory and Henry College.

Muriel Kagan Zager (1933–2025) was one of the first women to report as a foreign correspondent from Israel, Iran, and Lebanon, bringing decades of clarity on Middle Eastern affairs to readers of the Bristol Herald Courier and Washington County News. Her international experiences inspired five novels, including The Faithful, a National Book Award nominee. Muriel continued traveling the world well into her nineties.

Together, the Zagers built a shared life of remarkable breadth — from the textile plants of East Tennessee to press conferences in Jerusalem — and this home was their sanctuary through it all. Now, their legacy estate awaits its next chapter.

The Home

Built in 1955 and thoughtfully maintained, this sprawling U-shaped ranch offers 3,742 total square feet (2,651 sq. ft. on the main level, 1,091 sq. ft. finished in the basement). It retains an exceptional wealth of original mid-century detail:

• Tile entryway with a striking stone atrium accent wall
• Living room anchored by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace
• Extensive built-in hall and library shelving throughout
• Original kitchen with adjacent laundry room and half bath
• Back den with expansive walls of glass and a stone floor opening to the patio and yard
• Library with original built-in entertainment center and vintage intercom phone system
• Original tile bathrooms, remarkably preserved and in great condition
• Primary suite with an en-suite bath and private deck overlooking the grounds
• Two additional downstairs bedrooms, one with its own stone fireplace, are served by a full downstairs bath
• Additional lower-level rooms offering abundant storage or flexible living/bonus space
• Skylights throughout the home for exceptional natural light
• Screened porch, dining area, breakfast nook, and foyer flowing seamlessly for classic mid-century entertaining
• Paved circular driveway leading to a detached 2-car garage
• Situated on 2.1 acres of rolling, mature, shade-tree grounds — a private, park-like setting minutes from downtown Bristol

This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Bristol history: a home built with quality and character, held by one family for generations, and ready for a new owner to write its next story.

Property Facts

• Address: 209 Maple Tree Dr, Bristol, TN 37620
• Subdivision: Lick Branch Estates
• Total Living Area: 3,742 sq. ft. (per floor plan)
• Lot Size: 2.1 acres (250 x 344.28 IRR)
• Year Built: 1955
• Bedrooms:5 (Primary + 4 additional)
• Bathrooms: Multiple full & half baths (original tile)
• Garage: Detached 2-car garage with paved driveway
• Utilities: Public water, sewer, and electric
• Zoning: R-1A
• Flood Zone: Zone X — minimal flood risk
• School Zone: Anderson Elementary, Bristol Vance Middle, Tennessee High School (Bristol)
  

Auction Details

• LIVE AUCTION: Saturday, July 18th @ 10:00 AM - 209 Maple Tree Drive, Bristol, TN
• ONLINE AUCTION OPENS: SUNDAY, JULY 12TH @ 8:00 AM

Held by the same family for more than seven decades and now ready for its next chapter. First time offered for sale! See what you can do with this remarkable property and setting.